22 April 2025

I particularly love transatlantic crossings – an opportunity to totally switch off and relax while scanning the waves for sea life and making new friends over a beverage at the bar or while playing cards or trivia. This was my first Azamara experience, and I am now hooked on this small ship cruise line. As soon as I entered the cruise terminal in Miami, I noticed it was not the usual big hall, reflecting the smaller number of passengers. On this cruise, she had 603 guests, though she can accommodate 694. We arrived at the terminal for 11 am and dropped our bags to the porters (always remember the obligatory tip in Miami to ensure your bags make the ship). Check-in was speedy and we were boarding within 45 minutes. A choice of homemade cookies, muffins with hot & cold drinks was available for all guests, not just Suite Guests, as one finds with other larger ship check-in areas. The position of my restricted ocean view cabin, 6039, gave me a sea view between two lifeboats, which was a bonus. Loads of storage, drawers and hanging space, and good supply of hangers (often I must ask the steward for additional hangers, but not this time.) Bathroom products are the lovely Elemis – bathroom is not enormous but adequate and lighting good – shower has a shower curtain as opposed to door, but this did not pose any issues and water pressure, and temperature was always good. I over-packed as usual, especially as Azamara ships have self-serve laundry (on deck 7, so not far from my cabin) as well as a super ship’s laundry too. I had heard the food on Azamara was great and this was not a lie – the food selection was good in all outlets, though our speciality dining evenings were spectacular. We had bought the three-dining package – it was sufficient, though I might go to the next level on a future cruise and add 4 speciality nights, so I could do 2 nights in each. Both speciality restaurants are on deck 10 at aft of the ship – one is Mediterranean themed, the other Steak house style. Menus have super selection, and dishes are elegantly presented and delicious. One night we did the “chefs table” – a 7-course tasting menu with wine pairing – our theme was stateside so USA, and it was gorgeous. A must to add to your itinerary. Azamara does a fabulous white party – we did this on the night we sailed from Bermuda (which was good planning on behalf of the team as the next night, when it was originally planned for was too rough and cold) – tables with linen-covered cloths were laid out all around the pool deck – lights above the pool – the ambiance was made even more special with the setting sun as we sat down for dinner as the band performed. The choice at the buffet was enormous – from grilled lobsters, steaks, rack of lamb, salads galore, pasta stations, an impressive choice of vegetable dishes plus fresh sushi, jumbo shrimp and other seafood options. We danced under the stars to the band till everyone moved indoors to the night club. As we advanced across the Atlantic, our captain was great at trying to dodge the big storms preceding us – this did mean we spent an extra night in Bermuda and had to skip our stop at Horta, Azores, sadly – guess reason for another transatlantic next year! The advantage of sailing on a smaller ship like Azamara Journey was that we docked right in the centre of Hamilton and not out at the naval Dockyard where most cruise lines tie up. This enabled us to hop on and off the ship as we wanted to explore the town. The ferry across to the naval dockyard was a 2-minute walk along the seafront. I popped up to visit the Cathedral just 3 streets up from the ship – worth the visit, and has a piece of Canterbury Cathedral set into the wall with a cross given to them at its time of construction. Hamilton is beautiful, though I was surprised by the prices! Azamara Journey is a lovely 25-year-old ship with stylish décor, and I liked the small-ship feel. Staff are wonderful and so quick to remember names as well as your favourite drinks – by day two, they were suggesting what wine I might like for starter and main or pre-dinner drinks. Apu, my cabin steward, was brilliant and seemed to materialise out of nowhere to service my cabin while we had breakfast or dinner. The Living Room on deck 10 at the front of the ship was one of our favourite places for relaxing, reading and pre/post dinner drinks – in the evenings it became the night club though it was only once or twice we managed to stay awake to witness that – one of the nights was when we were negotiating 7 meter waves so the dancing was great fun! Mosaic café on deck 5 was my early morning stop for an espresso and little cakes before heading to the Widows café or Discoveries Restaurant for breakfast. The pool is salt water and fine for a refreshing dip – those wanting to work out can head to the gym. I never made it to the spa, though some friends did and were impressed. The promenade deck has sun beds, as does the pool deck and decks 10 and 11 forward – deep mattresses and extra-large sun towels are the norm on Azamara – you also find a few circular sun cabanas as well as armchairs and sofas in the pool area. The whole crew were fabulous, and I guess the good energy flowed down from the Master of the ship, Captain Antonio Toledo. A wonderful trip - I am but a call away to plan your escape to be an adventurer on an Azamara cruise.

16 April 2025

In late March, I went on the inaugural 3-day cruise of the Norwegian Aqua - the latest Prima Plus ship added to their fleet. Our round-trip route was Southampton Zeebrugge. I chose to stay at the Novotel for my pre-cruise night, and this was an easy 7-minute walk to the terminal. From the outside, the Aqua looked big, but once inside, the clever design using curves and light colour palettes gave the feeling of being inside a luxury boutique hotel. Upon entering the bright and airy 3 storey Atrium it was the wow factor - I loved the design with its soft white colour palettes, curvy balconies, mixture of seating areas cleverly using different furniture styles -high backed armchairs, curved sofas, bar stool with high tables and tall potted plants scattered around creating intimate zones. This theme is repeated throughout the ship in all public areas, both inside and out. The promenade deck became one of my favourite spots, with its Infinity pools and hot tubs on both port and starboard so one could do shade or sunbathing depending on your wish and find a cabana or lounger or grab and circular ottoman to chat, relax, or curl up and read a book. For those seeking more animation, head up to the main pool on deck 17 with the topside bar and again the multilevel sundecks. Deck 18 is home to the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster at sea. Not as scary as it sounds and a nice bit of adrenaline, but be in a swimsuit when using as it is water-based even if you are in your little inflatable boat! Up topside is also the games area - impressive - not just your usual basketball court and one mini golf - NCL Aqua has an enormous games area with so many options for all ages - mini golf around the world - the glow court - darts - shuffle boards - even a beer pong table! The adults-only Vibe Beach club is another zen zone - there is a daily charge for that - with deep cushioned loungers and red parasols, along with its own bar and pools and hot tubs. Also, not far from the buffet for a lunchtime snack. The choice of dining options was phenomenal - 23 outlets - with only three days onboard, I didn’t get to them all but managed to fit in a world tour lunch at the food market Indulge, a Mediterranean fish evening at Palomar and French night at Le Bistro. Lunch was at the Hudson main dining and the Surfside Cafe. The main dining room Hudson, curves around the back of the ship, enabling nearly every seat to have a sea view. The curve design makes it feel like a speciality restaurant and not the usual main dining room area. Menu choice and quality was top notch as I’ve always experienced on NCL. What I love so much about Norwegian is the dining options - dine when you want and with whom you want, whether it is a single table or a romantic duo or a group - and this is in all outlets, not just speciality dining. Accommodation options on the ship are extensive. The top is “The Haven” - the Suite section of the ship located at rear half of the Aqua. An exclusive “ship within the ship” with its own restaurant, bar, lounge, concierge, butler service and exclusive outdoor terraces and infinity pools, etc. Access to The Haven is by private lifts from all public areas. Regular accommodation ranges from non-Haven access Suites to Balconies, Ocean View and Inside. Studios are the cabins for Solo travellers and they have their own lounge area with complimentary tea, coffee and soft drinks for social mingling. Design in all rooms is bright and airy and lovely power showers in the bathrooms. Shows on NCL are their own productions now and the shows we saw were brilliant. Tribute to Prince, Rumours, based on the Fleetwood Mac story - and then Elements - Earth, Wind, Fire and Water inspired dance and song act - all great quality. The theatre is impressive as after the show, most of the seats retract and the whole area becomes the ship’s Nightclub with mega lighting! Not to be missed. We did a shore excursion to Ghent, which was nice. Not too long of a coach transfer followed by a bit of free time exploring the old city on foot, before a 60-minute boat ride around the city canals with a very knowledgeable and entertaining guide. All in all, a great experience which I’m sure you’d adore, and if you need more information on Aqua, I’m just a phone call away to arrange your trip.

16 April 2025

On my recent visit to Paris I was lucky to get to see the newly restored Notre Dame. It is really a “to do” when visiting the city of light and love. Though it needs a bit of planning and sometimes patience, especially when Paris is busy with visitors. Pre-book your visiting time via the Notre Dame app - it is free, and spaces usually get released 48 hours in advance. When I went, I popped onto the app at 22:00 on a Friday and found a space for 09:00 the following morning! They recommend arriving 5 minutes before the allotted time, and your reservation is valid for 20 minutes after the allotted time. I turned up at 08:45 and was waved straight in with no waiting in line. Another way is to turn up and join the no-reservation line, though this could result in long waits. Going early in the morning is best in my opinion to avoid the crowds and then you have time, and space, to admire the beauty of the building and the amazing restorations. As soon as you enter you get a magnificent view of the full length of the Cathedral. Look up at the ceiling and don’t miss the big yellow cross at the far end of the nave, as it survived the fire amazingly – a feature not to miss. (If a service is happening, then you won’t be able to go too far forward in the centre unless you are attending the mass service - once mass is over, you can advance up as far as the altar, which is a modern sculpture and I think fits in really well). Everyone is supposed to visit in a clockwise direction though some don’t seem to understand the arrows. The building is amazing and now so bright and clean, some say too new looking, but in reality it is just restored back to its original self - I had visited in 2016 and it was so dark inside with centuries of grime. Of course the north and south rose windows are stunning, especially on a sunny day, but don’t miss the new modern sculpture in its own chapel in eastern end as well as the area dedicated to the firemen of Paris who saved the cathedral - along with the original altar cross, partially covered in molten lead from the roof, which they saved. I'm here to arrange your trip to Paris - remember I lived there for 30 years, so I have some insider tips- Hopefully, you will enjoy visiting as much as I did.